Retractable golf club groove cleaning tool

ABSTRACT

RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism. It has an alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club. The alloy tip is of the proper shape and length for fitting in the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club. It provides clean grooves for better contact with the golf ball. To operate, simply depress the retractable mechanism to expose the alloy tip for cleaning, and depress again for storing, so as not to harm the user, its clothing, pouch or golf bag. Its unique design has no covers or lids to fumble with or loose. The device has a plastic clip for attaching to the user&#39;s clothing, pouch or golf bag, making it portable and easy to use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of groove cleaning devicesand more specifically to RETRACTABLE GROOVE CLEANING TOOLS FOR CLEANINGTHE GROOVES ON THE FACE OF THE HEAD OF A GOLF CLUB.

This invention relates generally to the field of golf club groovecleaners and more specifically to groove cleaning devices that areretractable.

This invention relates to groove cleaning devices and, moreparticularly, to a portable cleaning device for cleaning the grooves onthe face of the head of a golf club. The face of a golf club istypically made with narrow grooves. As a general design most golf clubheads have parallel grooves spaced across the surface. The object of thegrooves is to provide friction between the face of the club and theball. The friction is necessary for a clean strike to the golf ball andallows for backspin and directional control when desired. During use thegrooves tend to become embedded and clogged with dirt, grass, sand andother debris. When the grooves are clogged, there will not be anefficient transfer of energy from the club head to the ball, and theball will not have backspin. Frequently between shots, the golfer isfound standing on the tee box or the fairway removing debris from thegrooves on the face of the head of the golf club with a wet towel, golftee, brush, or some combination thereof. However, these devices are notdesigned to efficiently clean the grooves on the face of the head of agolf club and further they are generally inconvenient and ineffective tosatisfactorily clean the grooves. Further, to the extent that thesedevices can clean the grooves, such cleaning requires an inordinateamount of time thereby slowing play. To try and clean the grooves with agolf tee, the pointed end of the golf tee is pushed down into thegrooves and forced along the length of the grooves. However, the groovesare more narrow than the pointed end of the golf tee and it cannotcompletely penetrate into the grooves. Using a golf tee in this mannercan result in a broken golf tee, an injured hand, or both. Using a wettowel is also an ineffective way to clean the grooves because it isimpossible to apply enough force to push the towel completely into thegrooves. Other devices incorporate brushes or comb-like aspects, somewith covers or lids to protect their working surfaces, these arecumbersome and time consuming. Effective groove cleaning devices forremoving dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the face of the head ofa golf club has always been a desire of golfers. What golfers around theworld want is to have a groove cleaning device which is lightweight,portable and compact while also being easy to use to enhance a golfer'saccuracy and enjoyment of the game. In response to this problem varioustypes of groove cleaning devices have been developed.

Prior technology of these inventions do not allow for the ease of useand are not effective groove cleaning tools. Some have covers or lids toprotect the tip and its user. Removing these covers or lids arecumbersome, time consuming and could easily be lost if dropped ormisplaced. Such devices also require the use of both hands. Thisrequires the user to put down the club in need of cleaning to preparethe groove cleaner for use. Other prior inventions have multiple tipsattempting to clean more than one groove on the face of the head of agolf club at once. The problem with such prior technology is that thegrooves on the face of the head of a golf club are not all of the samelength so not all of the grooves can be cleaned at the same time. Otherdevices have been developed which have brushes to clean the grooves onthe face of the head of a golf club, such brushes will clean the facebut not effectively clean each groove without wetting or applyingexcessive pressure to the brush. The wetting process or the applying ofexcessive pressure to the brush is time consuming and requires extraenergy. Other prior inventions are comprised of materials that are equalto the hardness of the head of a golf club. This hard material couldcause damage to the shape and integrity of the grooves which could causeadverse ball flight when striking the ball in the game of golf. There isthus a need in the prior art for an easy to use one hand operationdevice with no lids or covers to fumble with or loose. There is also aneed for a groove cleaning device that is of proper shape, hardness anddesign to do the cleaning job properly without damage to the grooves onthe face of the head of a golf club. A proper groove cleaning devicewill enhance the golfer's accuracy and enjoyment of the game withoutworry as to how well or effectively the golf club has been cleaned.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is the retractable alloy tip that ishoused in a pen shaped case for cleaning the grooves on the face of thehead of a golf club.

Another object of the invention is the pen shaped case is not a writinginstrument, but a groove cleaning tool.

Another object of the invention is the device has a retractable alloytip that will not damage the grooves on the face of the head of a golfclub.

Another object of the invention is it provides clean grooves for bettercontact with the golf ball.

A further object of the invention is better contact promotes a cleanstrike to the golf ball and allows for backspin when desired.

Yet another object of the invention is it will clean grooves that areclogged with dirt, grass, sand and other debris.

Still yet another object of the invention is the alloy tip is housed ina plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractablemechanism.

Another object of the invention is it has the ease of one handoperation, the golf club does not have to be put down to prepare thedevice for use.

Another object of the invention is it is easy to depress the retractablemechanism to expose the alloy tip for cleaning, and depress again forstoring.

A further object of the invention is the alloy tip retracts so as not toharm the user, its clothing, pouch or golf bag.

Yet another object of the invention is it has a clip for attaching tothe user's clothing, pouch or golf bag.

Still yet another object of the invention is the clip makes the groovecleaning tool more accessible for use when needed.

Another object of the invention is it can go with the user anywhere forcleaning the club whenever necessary.

Another object of the invention is it is beneficial to all golfersregardless of skill levels.

A further object of the invention is it is an affordable cleaningdevice.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, anembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising: aretractable alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debrisfrom the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the alloy tipfits properly into each groove on the face of the head of a golf clubfor the purpose of cleaning, the alloy tip is of proper hardness so asnot to cause excessive wear or any damage to the grooves on the face ofthe head of a golf club, the alloy tip may be constructed of anymaterial to achieve the proper hardness for cleaning the grooves withoutdamage, proper hardness can achieved by utilizing any material, thepreferred example is a copper based alloy such as bronze, a bronze alloyis softer than the material that most common golf club heads are made ofsuch as chrome plated steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten orcombinations of these metals, said alloy tip is housed in an easilyrecognizable retractable pen shaped device, it is a cleaning device thathas a plastic pen shaped case and plastic clip for attaching to theuser's clothing, pouch or golf bag, the retractable pen shaped device isused as a housing for the solid alloy tip and does not contain a rollerball insert that holds ink, as is in a writing instrument

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising: thealloy tip is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a springassisted retractable mechanism, the retractable mechanism is the meansby which the alloy tip is extended for use and retracted for storage,the retractable mechanism allows for one hand operation, which requiresno need to put the club down to prepare the device for use, said deviceis ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use, and said devicehas a unique design that has no covers or lids to fumble with or loose,

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising: aretractable alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debrisfrom the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the alloy tipis of the proper shape and length for fitting in the grooves on the faceof the head of a golf club, the device cleans the grooves on the face ofthe head of a golf club, the device has an alloy tip that is softer thanthe metals that a common golf club head is made of, the alloy tip willnot damage the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, thedevice provides clean grooves for better contact with the golf ball, thealloy tip will clean grooves that are clogged with dirt, grass, sand andother debris, and the alloy tip is housed in a plastic pen shaped casecontaining a spring assisted retractable mechanism, the alloy tip isused instead of a ball point pen insert and the device is a groovecleaning tool and not a writing instrument

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention as a whole.

FIG. 2 is a view, in perspective of an enlarged sectional view showingthe tip and internal tube partly broken away of a second illustrativeembodiment as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the housing and internal componentsof the invention.

FIG. 4 is a view, in perspective of the inner components of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the tool of the invention being used onthe face of the head of a golf club.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of thepresent invention as it is a device for cleaning the grooves on the faceof the head of a golf club. This lightweight device is comprised of apointed alloy tip 10 that fits into each groove on the face of the headof a golf club for the purpose of cleaning. May it be noted that the tipis housed in an easily recognizable plastic pen shaped case as in priorart, and that the present invention differs from the prior art in thatit is not a writing instrument. A common ball point pen is not able toperform the duties of the present invention. The present invention is adevice for cleaning the grooves on the face of the head of a golf clubas now described: In the said device, the pointed alloy tip which fitsinto the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club for the purposeof cleaning is illustrated in reference numeral 10. The alloy tip 10 ishoused in a retractable plastic pen shaped case. The case of thisretractable device is comprised of sections as now described: The maincylindrical tube section 11 attaches to a lower component of the device12 which is of proper length and circumference and tapers down for thepurpose of having an opening to allow the alloy tip 10 to be extendedand retracted through it. The lower these metals. The synthetic tube 20is approximately 3.75 inches in length and has an inside diameter of0.095 inches to properly accept the 0.095 inch outside diameter of thealloy tip 10. The synthetic tube 20 is of proper length to fit into theretractable mechanism at the top of the plastic pen shaped case. Thealloy tip 10 is secured into the synthetic tube 20 by adhesives or othermethods, the attachment of the alloy tip 10 may be done in various wayswithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a sectional view of the alloy tip10 as it is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a springassisted retractable mechanism. It is to be noted that the overalllength of the present invention is approximately 5.15625 inches inaccordance with the industry standard length of a common retractableball point pen, and may have variances in exact shape and length withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. May it also be noted thatthe present invention differs from a common retractable ball point penin that it is not a writing instrument, a common ball point insert isnot able to perform the duties of a groove cleaning device. FIG. 3illustrates that the alloy tip 10 is secured into the synthetic tube 20which has a crimp 21 formed to be the abutment for the metal spring 22to rest on. Such tube 20 has an outside diameter of 0.135 inches that isof proper size to fit into the ratcheting mechanism 23 of the presentinvention. Of the retractable portion, the plunger 14 is deployed by theuser for the purpose of extending and retracting the alloy tip 10. Themetal spring 22, ratcheting mechanism 23, synthetic tube 20 and plunger14 are the working components of the spring assisted retractablemechanism which allows for one hand operation of this groove cleaningdevice. With one hand operation, the user does not need to put the golfclub down to prepare it for cleaning. In the present form of the section12 is covered above the taper by a rubber comfort grip which isindicated in the shaded area 13 of section 12. At the upper end of themain cylindrical tube 11 is the clip illustrated in reference numeral15. The purpose of the clip 15 is for attaching onto the user'sclothing, pouch or golf bag. Above the clip 15 at the shoulder of thedevice is an opening of proper size to allow the plunger 14 to move upand down through it. Plunger 14 is part of the retractable mechanismthat is what the user utilizes to deploy and retract the cleaningdevice. As illustrated in the shaded areas 13, 14, and 15, thesesections of the plastic pen shaped device are of the same decorativecolor, a number of color choices are available.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an enlarged view of the insidecomponent of the present invention, partly broken away of a secondillustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 illustrates anenlarged view of the the alloy tip 10 which is approximately 1.35 inchesin length and an outside diameter of 0.095 inches of which approximately0.50 of an inch is exposed from the synthetic tube 20 for the purpose offitting correctly into the pen shaped housing as to properly clean eachgroove on the face of the head of a golf club so as to remove dirt,grass, sand and other debris that becomes trapped or embedded into suchgrooves while striking the golf ball in the game of golf. The alloy tip10 is shaped at its point to fit properly into each groove on the faceof the head of a golf club and is of proper hardness so as not to causeexcessive wear or any damage to the grooves. Proper hardness can beachieved by utilizing any material, the preferred example is a copperbased alloy such as bronze. A bronze alloy is softer than the materialthat most common golf club heads are made of such as chrome platedsteel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten or combinations of invention,the alloy tip 10 is housed in a plastic pen shaped case as described inFIG. 1 and further illustrated in this sectional view of the inventionas a whole. The clip 15 is connected at the top of the main cylindricaltube 11 for attaching to the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag whichmakes the groove cleaning tool more accessible for use when needed. Thebottom of the main tube 11 has molded internal threads 24 whichcompliment the external threads of section 12. It is important to notethat while the preferred embodiment utilizes threading forinter-mounting the casing sections, other forms of interconnection maybe used. The present invention can also come in different colors of theplastic case and can be upgraded to a metal or wooden housing.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view, in perspective of theinner components of the invention. The plunger 14 is the part of theretractable mechanism that the user utilizes to deploy and retract thecleaning device. The plunger 14 is connected to the internal componentsthat perform the ratcheting duties of the invention. The top of thesynthetic tube 20 fits into the ratcheting mechanism 23 and near thelower end, a crimp 21 is formed to be the abutment for the metal spring22. It is further illustrated that the alloy tip 10 is secured withadhesives or other means at the bottom of the synthetic tube 20 whichextends and retracts by means of the spring assisted retractablemechanism. In its extended position the alloy tip 10 is exposed and isready for use, in its retracted position the alloy tip 10 is stored inthe plastic case so as not to harm the user, its clothing, pouch or golfbag.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown an isometric view of the tool ofthe invention being used on the face of the head of a golf club. As itis illustrated, the alloy tip 10 is housed in an easily recognizable penshaped case of proper length and shape to ergonomically fit in the hand52 of all users. The user will grip the groove cleaning tool in either aright hand as in reference 52 or a left hand for left handed users. Theuser has depressed the plunger 14 to expose the alloy tip for thepurpose of cleaning the grooves 51 on the face 50 of the head of a golfclub. The alloy tip 10 fits properly into each groove 51 so as to removedirt, grass, sand and other debris that becomes trapped or embedded intosuch grooves 51 while striking the golf ball in the game of golf. Thepresent invention is lightweight and portable for ease of use at anytime, its unique design has no covers or lids to fumble with or loose.The retractable mechanism allows for one hand operation, which requiresno need to put the club down to prepare it for cleaning. The groovecleaning tool is an affordable cleaning device which is beneficial toall golfers regardless of skill levels.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

1. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising: a retractablealloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from thegrooves on the face of the head of a golf club; the alloy tip fitsproperly into each groove on the face of the head of a golf club for thepurpose of cleaning; the alloy tip is of proper hardness so as not tocause excessive wear or any damage to the grooves on the face of thehead of a golf club; the alloy tip may be constructed of any material toachieve the proper hardness for cleaning the grooves without damage;proper hardness can be achieved by utilizing any material, the preferredexample is a copper based alloy such as bronze which is softer than thematerial that most common golf club heads are made of such as chromeplated steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten or combinations ofthese metals; said alloy tip is housed in an easily recognizableretractable pen shaped device; said pen shaped case is the housing forthe present invention which is not a writing instrument; and a cleaningdevice that has a plastic pen shaped case and plastic clip for attachingto the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag
 2. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUBGROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: saiddevice is housed in an easily recognizable retractable pen shapedhousing; the device has a synthetic tube that houses the alloy tip; thesynthetic tube and alloy tip are used instead of an insert that containsa ball point and ink as with a common ball point pen; the device has ametal spring which assists the retractable mechanism at the top of thedevice; the device has a plunger that is part of the retractablemechanism for the purpose of operation; and the plunger is what the userutilizes to operate the cleaning device
 3. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVECLEANING TOOL comprising: the alloy tip is housed in a plastic penshaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism; theretractable mechanism is the means by which the alloy tip is extendedfor use and retracted for storage; the retractable mechanism allows forone hand operation, which requires no need to put the club down toprepare the device for use; said device is ergonomically designed forcomfort and ease of use; and said device has a unique design that has nocovers or lids to fumble with or loose;
 4. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVECLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 3 further comprising: the device islightweight and portable for ease of use at any time; and said devicehas the ease of one hand operation, the golf club does not have to beput down to prepare the device for use
 5. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVECLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 3 further comprising: the device has arubber grip for comfort and ease of use; said device is lightweight,made of 90% composite materials; said device is made of recyclablematerials; and the cleaning tool is a portable and easy to use devicethat can go with the user anywhere for cleaning the grooves on the faceof the head of a golf club whenever necessary
 6. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUBGROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 3 further comprising: differentcolors of the plastic case are available; and an upgrade to a metal orwooden case is available
 7. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOLcomprising: a retractable alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand andother debris from the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club;the alloy tip is of proper shape and length for fitting in the groovesof the head of a golf club; the device cleans the grooves on the face ofthe head of a golf club; the device has an alloy tip that will notdamage the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club; the alloy tipis made of any softer material than that of the head of a golf club tonot cause excessive wear to the grooves on the face of the head of agolf club; the device provides clean grooves for better contact with thegolf ball; the alloy tip will clean grooves that are clogged with dirt,grass, sand and other debris; the alloy tip is housed in a plastic penshaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism; and thealloy tip and its housing are not a writing instrument
 8. RETRACTABLEGOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 7 further comprising:it is easy to depress the retractable mechanism to expose the alloy tipfor cleaning, and depress again for storing; and the alloy tip retractsso as not to harm the user, its clothing, pouch or golf bag;